Rearranged from easiest to most challenging, Ohio State’s 2025 football schedule ranking considers opponents’ strength, game locations, and potential hurdles, highlighting the relative difficulty of each matchup throughout the season.

Rearranged from easiest to most challenging, Ohio State’s 2025 football schedule ranking considers opponents’ strength, game locations, and potential hurdles, highlighting the relative difficulty of each matchup throughout the season.

The Ohio State Buckeyes football schedule is always a topic of intense discussion among fans, analysts, and coaches alike. As the 2025 season approaches, understanding the relative difficulty of each game becomes crucial for fans and the team’s preparation. This in-depth analysis aims to rank Ohio State’s 2025 opponents from the easiest to the most difficult, taking into account various factors such as the strength of the opponent, game location, historical performance, coaching stability, and other potential hurdles.

1. Non-Conference Games: Easiest Matchups
a. Ohio State vs. Youngstown State (Home)

Starting with the non-conference slate, Ohio State’s opening game against Youngstown State is generally considered the easiest matchup. As a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program, Youngstown State is often seen as a tune-up game before the more demanding conference schedule. Historically, Ohio State has dominated such matchups, and given the early-season timing, players are still getting into rhythm. The game is played at Ohio Stadium, providing the home-field advantage, further tipping the scales in favor of the Buckeyes.

b. Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky (Away)

Next, Ohio State faces Western Kentucky, an Group of Five team with a decent but not elite program. While an away game introduces some challenge, WKU has historically been inconsistent, and Ohio State’s talent disparity usually prevails. This game might test Ohio State’s ability to perform on the road early in the season but is still likely to be manageable due to the opponent’s relative weakness and Ohio State’s depth.

2. Mid-Tier Non-Conference Opponents
a. Ohio State vs. Central Michigan (Home)

Central Michigan, another Group of Five program, ranks just above the FCS level but lacks the consistent talent and depth of Power Five schools. Ohio State’s home advantage and superior talent make this game comparatively straightforward, though it provides a good opportunity to develop younger players.

b. Ohio State vs. Indiana (Away)

Although Indiana is part of the Big Ten, they are typically among the weaker teams in the conference. Playing away in Bloomington can be tricky, but Indiana’s recent struggles and lack of elite talent make this game less daunting for Ohio State. It’s an opportunity to rest starters and evaluate backups.

3. Early Big Ten Matchups: Slightly More Challenging
a. Ohio State vs. Rutgers (Home)

Rutgers has been competitive at times but is generally considered a middle-of-the-road Big Ten team. Playing at home gives Ohio State an advantage, but Rutgers’s physical style and coaching stability make this a slightly more challenging game than it might appear on paper.

b. Ohio State vs. Maryland (Away)

Maryland has shown flashes of high-powered offense, and their home environment can be challenging. While not a top-tier team, Maryland’s speed and offensive prowess can create problems if Ohio State isn’t fully prepared. Still, Ohio State’s talent edge makes this more manageable than some other conference games.

4. Mid-Season Conference Games: Moderate Difficulty
a. Ohio State vs. Purdue (Home)

Purdue has been inconsistent but occasionally surprises opponents. The game is at Ohio Stadium, giving the Buckeyes an advantage. However, Purdue’s offense can be tricky, especially if they develop a strong passing attack.

b. Ohio State vs. Illinois (Away)

Illinois has been competitive in recent years and can be dangerous, especially at home in Champaign. This game could pose a moderate challenge, especially if Illinois builds on its recent momentum.

c. Ohio State vs. Nebraska (Home)

Nebraska’s program has been improving, with a passionate fanbase and physical style of play. While Ohio State is favored, the game’s location and Nebraska’s fighting spirit make it a potentially tougher contest than some other mid-tier games.

5. Late-Season Big Ten Matchups: Increasing Difficulty
a. Ohio State vs. Michigan State (Away)

Michigan State, under new coaching or with roster turnover, can be unpredictable. Playing away in East Lansing adds difficulty, but the team’s overall talent level remains below Ohio State’s.

b. Ohio State vs. Michigan (Home)

The Michigan game is always a pivotal matchup, often determining the Big Ten East champion. While Ohio State has historically had the edge, Michigan’s physicality and recent improvements make this a challenging game, especially at Ohio Stadium.

c. Ohio State vs. Penn State (Away)

Penn State’s defense and disciplined play make this an especially difficult game, particularly on the road in Happy Valley. This matchup is often a litmus test for Ohio State’s postseason aspirations.

6. The Season Finale: The Challenge of the Ohio State vs. Wisconsin (Home)
The game against Wisconsin is traditionally a tough, physical contest. While Wisconsin’s offense has struggled at times, their stout defense and run-heavy approach can challenge Ohio State’s defensive front. Playing at home provides an advantage, but this game remains a significant hurdle in the schedule.

7. The Most Challenging Game: Ohio State vs. [Opponent TBD]
a. The Ohio State vs. Texas (Neutral Site or Away)

While the exact location and details are yet to be finalized, the game against Texas is likely to be one of the most challenging opponents on Ohio State’s schedule. Texas, a program with a storied history and recent resurgence, boasts talented players and a coaching staff eager to make a statement. Playing at a neutral site or away in Austin would make this a tough environment for Ohio State, especially early in the season when team chemistry is still developing.

Factors Influencing the Difficulty Ranking
Opponent Strength and Depth: Power Five programs with strong recruiting classes and proven talent are ranked higher in difficulty. Group of Five or FCS teams are generally easier, but upsets can occur.
Game Location: Home games favor Ohio State, while away games—particularly in hostile environments like Happy Valley or in Austin—are more challenging.
Historical Performance: Teams with recent success, coaching stability, and strong defenses tend to be tougher opponents.
Travel and Timing: Longer travel or early-season games can pose challenges due to team readiness and fatigue.
Potential Upsets: Some mid-tier teams have the potential to upset Ohio State, especially if they develop unexpectedly strong units.
A Progressive Challenge
In summing up, Ohio State’s 2025 schedule presents a range of challenges, from relatively straightforward non-conference games to intense, rivalry-laden conference matchups.

The easiest games are the early non-conference matchups against FCS and Group of Five opponents, primarily played at Ohio Stadium or away with manageable difficulty.
The middle tier includes conference games against teams like Rutgers, Maryland, and Purdue, which, while competitive, are generally within Ohio State’s reach, especially at home.
The more challenging games come later in the season, with Michigan and Penn State standing out as potential playoff-deciding matchups.
The most difficult game could be the showdown against Texas, depending on the location and team form, representing a significant test for Ohio State’s aspirations.
This ranking allows fans and analysts to better understand the nuances of Ohio State’s 2025 campaign, highlighting where the team might face its stiffest tests and where the path to a successful season is more manageable. Preparing for each level of challenge will be crucial for Ohio State’s coaching staff and players as they aim for a championship run in 2025.